I enjoy history. I have seen alot of old photos regarding this era and notice that some women in those days did wear pants. Most of the ones I have seen around horses were standing near them, or riding in a wagon. All were wearing dresses.

I think if a woman was going to ride she would be wearing pants and riding like a "cowboy". I have not even seen a sidesadle at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in OKC. It has been years since I last visited though.

http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/